Advancing Innovation: Minister Maele Tours UniPod Botswana
February
23
Details
On the 23rd of February, the Minister of Higher Education, Honourable Prince Maele. the University of Botswana Executive Management, and the United Nations Resident Representative and her team took a tour of Botswana’s first UniPod at the University of Botswana.
The visit highlighted UniPod Botswana’s role as a pioneering innovation hub transforming ideas into impactful solutions.
Innovators showcased groundbreaking projects addressing health, agriculture, education, and sustainability.
Some of the projects exhibited at UniPod included a national blood donation system that will improve efficiency and transparency in blood donation services, and InRent, a looped housing ecosystem that simplifies student and landlord management.Wethemba showcased the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems, while BioCrude Innovations converts waste into high-performance agricultural nutrients.
FarmaVita and Organix24 upcycle organic waste into fertiliser supplements and sustainable protein feed to reduce import dependency, and MashMod manufactures organic pesticides aligned with SDGs 1, 2, 3, and 13.
During the Minister’s tour, EduSmart Botswana showcased its I AM SMART board game to advance STEM education, while Beats Health presented its healthcare communication platform. Performing arts were also featured, highlighting UniPod’s vibrant innovation and creativity.
Additional innovations included mosquito repellent salt and skin ointments made from indigenous plants.
At the Faculty of Engineering, handmade handbags were displayed alongside other projects at the UniPod Textile lab. In response, Honourable Minister appreciated the great creativity and innovation displayed by innovators. He also appreciated the integration of technical, vocational education and training into the UniPod activities. He also echoed that he would like to visit again when he has more time.
The tour concluded with closing remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Prof Edward Dintwe, who reaffirmed the commitment to collaboration and impact.
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